But Staal made sure that hats were not tossed in vain. He scored again for a real hat trick, the 14th of his career, a little more than three minutes later on his third effort after hitting the post twice.

And more hats rained down onto the ice.

For Staal, that raised his February totals to 13 goals and eight assists in 13 games. Even more impressive, since the Staal-Granlund-Jason Zucker line was put together last week, the three have combined for 26 points in three games.

"I've been trying to get to three. It's been too many years," Staal, whose last hat trick was more than five years ago, told reporters after the game. "Hopefully there's a few more in the tank for the rest of my career."

March 29: Columbus Blue Jackets forward Pierre-Luc Dubois (18) celebrates his hat trick goal with teammates during the third period of a 5-1 win over the Calgary Flames. Sergei Belski, USA TODAY Sports

Nov. 27: Blackhawks right wing Alex DeBrincat is congratulated by his teammates for notching a hat trick during the second period against the Ducks at the United Center in Chicago. Dennis Wierzbicki, USA TODAY Sports

Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) celebrates his hat trick goal with center Nicklas Backstrom (19) late in the third period against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Air Canada Centre. The hat trick was the 20th of Ovechkin's career. Tom Szczerbowski, USA TODAY Sports

Colorado Avalanche forward Gabriel Landeskog (92) is sprayed by goalie Jonathan Bernier (45) following his hat trick goal in the third period of a 6-2 win against the Washington Capitals on Nov. 16. Ron Chenoy, USA TODAY Sports